Tourist Attractions & Monuments en Laponie

Lake Inari is the third largest lake in Finland (1,043 km²) and the second deepest (92 m). It is studded with a myriad of islands (over 3,000). In good weather, the boat takes you to the sacred island of the Sami: Ukonsaari (a sanctuary for nearly a thousand years). In case of bad weather, you simply sail around the island. Remains of sacrificed reindeer antlers evoke the divinatory and votive rites practiced by these ancient nomadic peoples. A short 20-minute stop allows you to climb to the top.

Aavasaksa Hill has several points of interest. The most important is the Emperor's House (Imperial Lodge). Built in 1882 as a hunting cabin for Tsar Alexander II, this chalet, a little unusual in its decoration and function, has been restored and now serves as a museum. The second site to be seen on this hill is the Observation Tower, built in 1969, in red bricks. You can also take a walk through the open-air theatre and the Aavasaksan Paviljonki restaurant, a renovated 1927 pavilion with a pretty terrace. Several trails criss-cross the hill.

Nearly 3,000 precious and semi-precious stones are kept in this interesting gallery, which does not look like much. Upstairs, there is also a mini-exhibition on the jewels adorning the most famous European crowns, including the real crown of the King of Finland. For each jewel, there is an explanation with a bit of history. Also reproduction of the jewels of the crown of Elizabeth II and the necklace of Marie-Antoinette.

Nordkapp Jul & Vinterhus, an adorable little house, temple of the Norwegian Christmas spirit! There are trinkets and other gift ideas for all seasons. Elves, tree balls, traditional cakes: nothing is missing! It is also a lively place where all the fishermen come to talk about their catches. Tasting of dried cod and visit of a traditional Christmas house. Tasting of mulled wine(gløgg) and pancakes(lefse), a delight!

The Reisaelv River dug a deep canyon across the mountain plateau. Waterfalls (including those of Mollisfossen, 269 m high), and rocky sediments, as well as the flora and bird species, are very diverse. The park serves as pasture for Semi semi-domestic reindeer. Access from Storslett (on the E 6), take the 865 to Bilto, then the forest road to the Sarelv River, where boats can be rented. Refuges shelters. Area: 803 km ².

Back on the E 6, after a hundred kilometres, while the road follows the contours of the bottom of the fjords, which sometimes extends the double, we arrive at a campsite that has taken its neighbourhoods in this extraordinary landscape. You can see the Large bird sanctuary. Another hundred kilometres, and we approach the mountains of Kvaenangen.

In Mettevollen, you can buy strawberries which, if incredible, grow here during the short summer season. Then the road rises in the Montagne mountain, isolated and dark. At the peak, facing the glacier and dominating the fjord, there is an old low-stone inn in the country. We are here very far from any dwelling, with the exception of some rudimentary Sami Demeures residences, "en hard" variants of tipis, and built in peat.

The university museum in Tromsø actually consists of three museums and a botanical garden: the main building of Norges arktiske universitetsmuseum, Polarmuseet, MS Polstjerna and Tromsø arktisk-alpine botaniske hage. All these museums highlight different aspects of the culture and nature of northern Norway, including Lapp culture, archaeology, geology, etc.. The garden can be visited from spring and during the summer.

German-born Eva Schmutterer moved here a few years ago. Inspired by the beauty of the landscape and, above all, its colors, she began to create works representing the North Cape that she loves so much. As you browse the gallery, you'll notice that her favorite themes are sometimes a church, sometimes the harbor, sometimes the famous midnight sun that so many tourists come here to admire. These works are made up of large flat areas of color and minute gradations. How does she do it? Go and ask her for her secret!

Thousands of different species of birds, including puffins, cormorants, gannets and different varieties of seagulls, make up a spectacular sight. Don't forget your binoculars and cameras!

Another option is to ask the fisherman owner of the Terrasen restaurant (✆ +47 950 377 22 - www.stappan.com) to take you out on his small fishing boat. More flexible and personalized tours. In the same way, he organizes an original adventure to discover the midnight sun.

This excursion is to be recommended only when the weather is fine and you can spend some time outside. It has been added for tourists, but its main purpose is to transport the islanders. The landscape is pleasant, the isolated houses give way to the desert coasts of the islands, a dream.

Hiking on the islands. Both islands offer many hiking trails for one or more days. Be careful however with the schedule of the boats.

Owned by the University of Tromsø, a garden to be discovered especially from spring and during summer has all varieties of Arctic flowers from all continents. For enthusiasts and lovers of plants and trees. A number of small birds also frequent this beautiful place. A nice café open in summer. Temporary exhibitions sometimes in the garden. A refreshing and very instructive walk for all.

The museum focuses on the local history of the town and its many transformations following the extraction of steel in the Kiruna mine and its transport by train to Narvik. Discover how this railway was built and its impact on the population over a period of more than 100 years. To this day, this railway line and the extraction of iron at the Kiruna mine are a major economic engine in the region. The museum is located in the former administrative buildings of NSB, the Norwegian railway company, dating from 1902.

Around Narvik there are several caves that can be visited and where it is possible to go caving in summer. Information at the tourist office for times and days. A sporting activity for those who are not claustrophobic of course! The Trollkirka cave, for example, is known to be quite extraordinary, with waterfalls, holes shaped over the years by water and ice, cracks here and there. May be also not recommended for people who are afraid of heights, ask your guide!

Located on the island of Senja and surrounded by towering mountains rising from the sea, this valley is mostly covered by marshes and mountain birch. The pine trees, whose creeping and twisted forms cling to the cliffs of the coast, add to the wild character of the place. Much less known than the Lofoten Islands, Senja is still spared from the crowds. A little jewel rising from the waters. Little development. Area: 69 km².

The landscape is typical of the Great Norwegian North: pines and birches, mountains, marshes and lakes, important morainic deposits. Semi-domestic reindeer inhabit these wide open spaces, which are also home to Norway's four major carnivores: the lynx, the wolf and the brown bear. Access via the 87, then local road to Frihetsli, then forest track. Marked trails. Unguarded huts. Area: 770 km² protected since 1971.

A central building and 4 annexes, 100 beds, catering.

5 km from Karasjok is a nature park with barbecues, a rain shelter, toilets and a children's playground. Of course, you should check the weather conditions (or just look at the sky!) before venturing into a nature area, even if this one is equipped and is really not far from Karasjok. Not very well signposted but the tourist office will be able to explain the route. Bring something to light the barbecue!

Library specialized in the Saami universe. A unique collection of Saami literature in several languages.

A cruise with meals on board, traditional singing and island tours, mini-cruises and excursions are organized during the summer by this company, which offers several formulas to discover the archipelagos of islands surrounding the city. Extraordinary excursions that you will not soon forget, to be booked for days of good weather. The opportunity to discover the enchanting landscapes of the Luleå archipelago and, in summer, the astonishing colours of the midnight sun. In winter, the company offers you the chance to go hunting for the Northern Lights.

A little out of the city centre, attached to the university, this centre allows young and old alike to discover certain modern technological inventions and to understand how they work. A much smaller Cité des sciences! The main themes are concentrated on the major Swedish activities: mining, fishing, forestry, etc. Texts in Swedish are often in English, but the most important thing is to be able to touch and test! A nice introduction to the main economic activities in Swedish Lapland.

Opened in 2007, the building is the pride of the city. Designed by a Swedish architect, it houses the tourist office, the municipal library, an art gallery, a café and a restaurant. You can move around freely, enjoy the comfortable seats and especially the view of the sea from the large windows that surround the building. Internet access is available from the tourist office and library. Ideal to settle down and prepare the next step!

At 6 km, this lighthouse is a landmark on the steep coast overlooking the Arctic Ocean. It is one of the most mythical lighthouses on the entire coast. Since its automation in 1994, it also serves as an accommodation for visiting groups. The view is breathtaking and it is hard to imagine a better place to be if you are looking to get away from the crowds and reconnect with nature. This lighthouse has been classified as cultural heritage since 1998. It used to run on kerosene around 1900 and then suffered the hazards of history, particularly the Second World War.

Stabbursdalen is a valley on the western shore of Porsangerfjord. The pine trees lining the shoreline are very old, some as old as 500 years. The valley narrows inland to form a narrow gorge, before widening again into gentle hills where bare rock outcrops. The landscape, with its extensive moraine deposits, is reminiscent of the Ice Age. The Stabburselva River, which irrigates the park, is a good salmon river.

Nordic Safari offers you the possibility to discover the region by sleigh or boat. A beautiful hike along the coast to the Nordkyn Cape, which is home to splendid and rare birds, with a view of the Northern Cape, the northernmost cape in Europe, is also proposed to you! Possibility of salmon fishing or partridge hunting. Information from the commune of Gamvik or the commune of Mehamn. The establishment also offers youth hostel, camping and rorbuer rentals.

The northernmost lighthouse in the world, located at the same latitude as Alaska. Visits are organized in the summer. It can be reached by a trail from Gamvik (5 km). The lighthouse is located in the middle of the natural park. The road that winds through the park was built in 1930. It leads to Varnesovnen, a cave used during the evacuations in the autumn of 1944. The lighthouse is now a lodge where you can stay between June and August every summer. A great opportunity for lovers of the great outdoors, hiking or fishing!

"Hornet is a rocky, horn-shaped promontory on the northeastern side of the North Cape cliff, below and beside the sea. In pre-Christian times, Hornet was a sacred place for the Sámi people of Magerøya, who regarded it as the domain of the gods. "Hornet can only be seen from a distance. In Viking times, the area was subjected to Viking taxation and sometimes sacked. The chief of Håløy traded with the Sami as far as the White Sea in Russia. But Norwegian settlement of Finnmark probably did not begin until the 16th century. The abundance of fish attracted fishermen from northern Europe. To secure territory, the fortress of Vardø and several fortified churches were built. Hornvika, or Horn Bay, was the place where tourist boats docked before 1956 and the construction of the road to Nordkapp.

Finnmark was booming until the end of the 17th century, when fishing suffered a serious crisis. Several sites along the coast were abandoned by the Norwegians. The 18th and 19th centuries saw an influx of immigrants from northern Finland and Sweden, as well as farmers from southern Norway. This led to many conflicts with the Saami who had occupied the land for centuries. A contemporary novel by a Saami author, Alio Gaup, The Magic Drum, was translated into French by Editions du Rocher in 1992. A place full of history that is worth a visit if you pass by.

This geological formation is a feast for the eyes; it's a portal-like fault several metres wide in a rocky promontory. The midnight sun shines through this "portal" between midnight and 2 a.m., and it's quite impressive. From here, the Hornet is clearly visible in the distance. The walk to Kirkeporten is also very pleasant: 2.5 kilometers from the Kikeporten campsite or the Nordkapp Turisthotell. Allow 1 hour in all.

Hornøya Island is a jewel, a must for nature and bird lovers. For the thousands of birds that reside here, the island is a paradise. On the island the rules are strict and have to be followed to the letter, because here there is no joke with the preservation of the fauna and flora. We stay on the marked trails only, we do not pollute and we do not disturb the animals under any circumstances. It is possible to stay on the island.

Kirkenes is a town in northern Norway, known for its natural beauty and diverse landscapes. This local travel agency offers a variety of exciting activities, such as king crab safaris, minibus tours with a local guide, Northern Lights tours, river boat safaris, dog sled rides and much more. The Booking Kirkenes team is made up of local residents who will be delighted to share their knowledge of the region with you. What's more, the agency is ecologically certified and committed to preserving the environment. By booking with them, you are supporting a local business and helping to protect nature. Don't hesitate to contact Booking Kirkenes to organize your Arctic adventure in Kirkenes.

This cave dug into the rock is located under one of the city's hills and sheltered the civilians who took refuge there during the German bombardments of the Second World War. The 25-minute tour focuses on the history of Kirkenes during this painful time, with the presentation of a film and photos. A must-see place that is part of the network of museums throughout Northern Norway. A good way to imagine the daily life of the population in these times of war, but also the reconstruction that followed.

The Kvens were Finnish emigrants to Ruija, "the Land of the Sea", settling there as farmers, miners and fishermen. The entire Varanger region still bears the imprint of their culture. Through the various elements of their habitat, the Ruija Museum shows the vestiges of this multicultural region, such as the Tuomainen farm, a typical Kvens farm from 1840; the Esbensen estate; the Kjeldsen fishing hamlet near a bird-nesting rock; and the Vadsøya park with its arctic flora and fauna.

This site is one of a kind. It is the only space base open (intermittently) to civilians. Rockets and atmospheric balloons are launched here. A tour including transportation to Esrange, presentation, guided tour is possible. For those who have less time and a smaller budget, a Visitor Center is open in the summer on the spot, where a shorter and lighter version of the tour is available. Book in advance.

A traditional Saami camp, explaining the Saami way of life, their customs, etc. At the back of the museum, there is an enclosure where you can freely see reindeer. We will also pass by the small store that sells Sami handicrafts. You can also stay in a chalet or a tent and enjoy the typical snow sports of the region. Note that from April to early June, the reindeer graze in the mountains and are therefore not visible. Entrance is then free.

Mining is the engine of the local economy and the reason for the city's expansion. Two companies exploit the deposits here: LKAB for iron and AITIK for copper. It is therefore possible to go underground to understand how iron ore is extracted or to discover the impressive fault where the copper comes from. We discover the role of the different machines and miners, as well as the importance of these materials in our daily lives. Original and instructive visits.

You should stop here when you arrive in Kiruna, because the team knows everything, the structure is very well designed. This is where you can organize your excursions and outings in the area: canoeing, hiking, mountain biking, fishing, rafting, sleigh rides, skiing, snow scooters in winter, and many other things... You can also book a visit to the LKAB mine here. The English-speaking staff at the tourist office are as competent as they are passionate and will be happy to help you organise your stay in Kiruna.

Completed in 1797, this neoclassical church is one of the measuring points of the Struve geodesic arch, which is part of the Unesco World Heritage. The point on the tower of the church was measured in 1842. It was marked in the clock tower and can still be seen on the walls. There was probably a wooden church in its place already in 1208. Surrounded by a quiet area by the water, you can spend a day here with a visit of the church.

The church city of Arvidsjaur is extremely well preserved. These pyramid-shaped Lappish tents were never permanently inhabited by the Sami, but were used as overnight accommodation during religious retreats. The buildings are still owned by the Sami people today. It is the largest preserved Saami village, with many outbuildings and barns dating from the ^18th century. Not to be missed if you pass by Arvidsjaur!

Built in 1889, this white church with a pale green roof is rather original in the area. It looks like a fairy tale castle! Gothic-inspired architecture, but the interior is a model of sobriety - a real contrast. On the other hand, the painting above the altar is not at all banal: the Last Supper representing Christ surrounded by the Apostles is very modern, which is surprising, we must say. The visit is worth the detour!

Built in 1753, a fire totally destroyed it in 1972 and it was rebuilt identically. The interior is decorated in the same colors: blue, red and yellow. The church building is an elongated octagon with one floor and a vaulted roof. Around the church, a curtain wall was built in the style of the one that existed in the ^19th century. The crosses, chandeliers and hymn board of the church are made of wood from the fire-damaged church.

A few meters from the Ajtte museum, the garden focuses mainly on the mountain flora of the area. You can stroll along the paths, enjoy the landscape, and discover rare flowers with wonderful colors. The garden is maintained with great care and the gardeners strive to recreate small mountain ecosystems in the beds. Ethnobiology is also discussed, describing how people in the North use wild plants.

Sheltered in a large glass building is the MS Finnmarkent, the former home of the region's coastal shipping company. At the initiative of a former captain, Sten Magne Engen, this historic ship dating from 1956 has been converted into a museum, enabling visitors to discover the company's history through documents and archive images, as well as tours of completely restored rooms (engine room, bridge, saloon).

A museum that retraces the history of the region since the men settled there. Three large rooms on the third floor take the visitor on a journey from the forest, with its wolves and trappers, to the typical Norrboten house of the 19th century. Period objects, stuffed animals and a sound atmosphere make for a pleasant visit. It also explains the evolution of iron ore mining for more than a century and the calamity of the mosquito in the area! On the second floor, shop and collection of old cameras.

An interesting reserve because it is easily accessible from the centre. An important tourist destination for more than a century, this protected area is home to a wide variety of animals (many birds such as the intrepid plover, the golden plover or the ptarmigan) and plants (more than 200 varieties including Lapland lousewort, rare azaleas, mountain heather...). At 820 m above sea level, Dundret offers a superb panorma

Great museum of local culture, modern and interactive! The exhibits, some fixed, some temporary, are devoted to different aspects of the region's history. They talk about geology, handicrafts, painting, and subjects more specific to the history of Luleå. A museum to discover, despite the lack of explanation in English... The museum also organizes events open to all. You can also sit in the café for a fika.

This is the mountain where the Aurora Sky observation station is located, which can be reached by cable car. From the chairlift, a superb view unfolds over the entire valley. A refuge awaits you at the top. Unfortunately, it is not possible to sleep there, but it is a magical place to enjoy a hot coffee or tea with Swedish cakes while sitting by the stove. Then, following the gentle slope of the mountain with its few snowdrifts, you can reach a deserted platform, a very mysterious place covered with small mounds of flat stones.

The Adolf Guns are the greatest guns in the world. They were built by the German occupiers during the Second World War and installed in the stronghold of Trondenes. Today, four are still in place but only one is fully preserved and maintained (in working order). These are the largest naval guns placed ashore during the Second World War in the whole of Europe. They formed Hitler's most powerful battery on his Atlantic Wall. Remembrance of a heavy and traumatic period for northern Norway as well.

The historic centre of Trondenes is a museum of regional history covering a vast period, from the Stone Age to the present day. An important part of the exhibitions are devoted to the Vikings and the Middle Ages. The museum is very interactive. It is situated in an absolutely beautiful setting by the water, 3 kilometres from the centre of Harstad. The place is ideal for a break after the visit; there is a restaurant, a café and a souvenir shop.

An underground amusement park with Santa Claus as its main theme. Here, you'll meet elves, reindeer and all the logistics that go to make up the Christmas miracle! Fun with children, the atmosphere is cheerful and exotic, and despite the high prices and permanent crowds, it's an extra dimension to the Santa Claus Secret Forest that's worth appreciating. Reservations recommended. Tickets valid for all attractions on two consecutive days. Be warned: the area is very, very, very touristy!

Those who want to know more about the snowmobile and the lumberjack's life in the area will find all the info here. A large collection of snowmobiles and chainsaws is on display. The collection traces the history of this indispensable means of locomotion for the local population. Today, it is widely used by tourists to discover the vastness of Lapland's landscapes, but it has many applications, even on reindeer farms. There's also a sawmill museum... It's both typical and atypical!

Following the E8 road from Kilpisjärvi, we reach a beautiful landscape of moorland and bushes about 45 km to the south. This is a good opportunity to discover a bit of Finnish nature away from the pine trees. You can stop at the parking lot and take a path of raised wooden boards to discover this beautiful ecosystem. Only reindeer and a few rabbits live among these desolate bushes and the moor seems to extend as far as the eye can see. The place is ideal for a picnic as well as for a walk easily accessible to the whole family.

Jarama Fortifications is a way to discover a part of the history of the region. After a ten-minute video, you can access these old trenches that date back to 1944. During the war in Lapland, Germany invaded this part of Finland. In the summer of 1944, they built fortifications to defend themselves from the Finns who were trying to regain ground. A few blockhouses remain from this period, which can be discovered behind the museum by walking through the trenches. Beware, it is easy to get lost!